Is your towing hook (or ball) legal? Well, there are drivers who are unaware that this fixture has not been legalised for their vehicle.

For these drivers, the first thing that they know about it is a 400-euro fine winging its way to them.

You need a certificate from the car workshop that installed it. It has also to be homologanised under Spanish law and a conformity report which normally comes with the towing hook when you buy it (if made in Spain). You might even be called up to produce the manual which came with the hook, as well.

In the case where you cannot prevent the ball from covering the number plate, you must install a removable tow ball, so that when it is not in use it can be removed leaving the number plate completely visible. Fixed tow hooks that cover the number plate cannot be legalised.

Why? Because if it gets in the way of the police being able to read your number plate. The good news is that no fine for this has ever prospered if challenged.

So, if you do buy a second-hand vehicle that has a hook for towing, make sure that it is on the Specification Record (Ficha Técnica).

(News: Spain)

Keywords: Vehicles, Towing Hooks, Ball, Specification Record, ITV, Obscuring Numberplate, Installation Certificate, Homologinised, Car Dearler

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